Ageing with Grace: Oldest, Yet Still Inhabited Cities in the World

Cities that have stood the test of time, apart from carrying forward the legacy and cultures from the past, also have some noteworthy scars of history. They demonstrate both the positive and negative impact of human development. The most established urban areas on the planet brag of some extraordinary architecture and astonishing stories, and despite having seen centuries worth of events, stand gracefully in fully splendour. So spare some moments of your life, and plan a tour to these cities. The experience that follows definitely cannot be expressed in words. Ready?

If history and everything related to the ruins and glory of the past excite you, then buddy, your next destination should probably be one of these. After all, we are quite done with the concrete jungles and the buzzing industrial scenario of the modern day cities. It’s time stride back and know what life used to be back in the good old days. Read the list:

1Varanasi, India

If you come across a cheap deal on Mumbai to Varanasi flights any time, then you shouldn’t miss on the opportunity to grab it and visit this extremely important and one of the oldest cities in the world. The city of Varanasi holds utmost importance for the Jains and Hindus in India, and they believe that if one dies there, they will accomplish salvation. It is the oldest city in India and one of the most antiquated cities on the planet. Found throughout along the Ganges are the ghats (stops along the route), where you can perform religious ablutions in the waterway. While in Varanasi, do not miss on the evening aarti held every day at the Assi Ghat (Stop Number 80). The whole atmosphere is ethereal at that very moment. Picture perfect!

2Athens, Greece

The place where philosophy and westernization took birth, Athens brags of a past filled with the mention of the times of Socrates, Aristotle and Plato. The city has been constantly inhabited for more than 7,000 years. The very first human existence in Athens dates back to the time between the eleventh and seventh millennium B.C. Today it is a sprawling city, with its iconic Acropolis still standing, guarding and overlooking the entire city.

3Damascus, Syria

Damascus is the capital and second biggest city in Syria. Referred to by some sources as the world’s most oldest inhabited city, Damascus may have been home to human settlement since 10,000 BC. The city became an important place much after the entry of the Aramaeans, who set up a system of waterways, which today shape the premise of its cutting edge water systems. Much after the conquest of Alexander the Great, Damascus has been possessed by Roman, Arab and Ottoman empires. Being a treasure trove of historical gems, today Damascus attracts hoards of tourists from all around the world.

4Plovdiv, Bulgaria

Initially a Thracian settlement known as Philippopolis to the Greeks, Plovdiv was an important city for the Romans. It was additionally managed by the Ottomans for some time. This quaint city has a treasure of rich history that goes back to centuries. Traces of civilization here date back to 6,000 years. Today, it is not only the second largest city in Bulgaria, but also is a critical financial, social and educational centre in Bulgaria.

5Rome

What started as a bunch of little villages, down the line, turned into a city-state that ruled one of the most powerful realms known to mankind. The Roman Empire which developed from the Roman Republic didn’t live for long, however, the Eastern Roman Empire survived another 977 years. Today, Rome is the epicenter of some of the most important cultural historical artifacts and evidences that mankind must preserve till eternity.

A tour through these cities can be an enduring experience not just to a typical history lover, but also to anyone who is ever ready to explore the many bewilderment that exist in the world. So, what are you waiting for? Get going!